Semuc Champey

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The region’s prime attraction, and one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Guatemala, is Semuc Champey, a shallow staircase of turquoise pools set on a natural limestone bridge. This idyllic spot lies at the base of a towering jungle valley and makes a perfect place for a day of swimming and relaxing. Not long ago, very few visitors reached this remote part of the country, but the secret is well and truly out, and the pools are now a key stop on the backpacking trail between Tikal and the western highlands. Even so, it’s usually possible to find a quiet corner. If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, Semuc Champey is well worth including for its mix of adventure and natural beauty.

If you walk a few hundred metres upstream via a slippery path, you come to the river source that feeds Semuc: the fast-flowing Río Cahabón, most of which plunges into a cavern, cuts beneath the pools in an aquatic frenzy and emerges again downstream. For a photo-perfect view of the whole scene, you can hike, with a little climbing in sections, for about twenty minutes up a slippery, vertiginous trail to a mirador high above the pools.

There are security guards at the site, but it is best not to leave your belongings unattended. You will find a small café, with reasonable meals around US$5, and vendors selling drinks and snacks at the entrance.

While you can visit on your own, most travellers choose to see Semuc as part of a tour, which avoids waiting for infrequent public transport or tackling the terrible dirt access road. This matters on 8-day Guatemala trips, where using a tour can make the difference between a manageable day out and a frustratingly slow transfer.

Start planning your trip to Guatemala by first finding out how many days are best to spend in Guatemala and checking out our Guatemala travel tips.

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